As Aprilbrunfolds in the Chicago area, we enthusiastically greet the start of spring andbrthe beauty and wonder it brings to all of our senses. Although we’ll officiallybrobserve the 54th Earth Day on April 22 (see EarthDay.org for details), Ibrlike to think of April as Earth Month (and actually, each day of the year as abrnew opportunity to make a positive impact on this planet).
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Thisbrmonth, we focus on our theme of Eco-Travel for all ages—a timely reminder ofbrour responsibility to cherish and preserve the Earth, its inhabitants andbrnatural features as we explore its wonders. As travelers, whether for leisure,brcultural immersion, eco-volunteering or on a weekend afternoon, we have thebrpower to tread lightly and leave a positive impact on the places and people webrvisit. In our feature story, “Sustainable Travel, Wanderlust with the Earth in Mind,” writer Sara Kaplan explores how mindful travel near or far from home canbrenrich our human experience while nurturing this planet we call home.
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Inbraddition, we hope to inspire outdoor enthusiasts. From tips on preparing yourbrbody for long treks to nurturing young minds through travel experiences beyondbrthe classroom, we aim to empower you to embrace outdoor adventure and connectbrwith the world around you. Closer to home, writer Sheryl DeVore explores thisbryear’s once-in-a-lifetime Midwest cicada event, Melinda Myers helps us to get our backyards ready for spring and Veronica Hinke offers tasty, seasonalbrrecipes for enjoying spring peas.
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I’ve beenbrfortunate over the years to travel with family and friends. As a kid, we tookbrto the backroads each June, stopping at small towns and regional and nationalbrparks of the U.S. and Canada (as well as visiting historical sites and museumsbrin the big cities), leaving the interstates whenever possible. My parentsbrsought out local diners, state park campgrounds, bird-watching ponds, antiquebrshops, natural areas and less-crowded locales. The printed AAA TourBookbrled the way to unique attractions (Mitchell Corn Palace; the Nevada State Fair;bra talking Paul Bunyan statue; and the “world‚Äôs largest” Easter egg,brnear Edmonton, Alberta, to name a few). I learned to read and properly foldbrmaps, find our accommodations, keep a daily travel diary, document our tripsbrwith photography, and track state and provincial license plates. While ourbrworld constantly evolves, the memories of these places and adventures, and thebrlessons learned, are woven into my worldview and the tapestry of my life.
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ThisbrEarth Month, we recall some words of wisdom that remind us of our duty tobrprotect and cherish our planet. As Jane Goodall once said, “The least I can dobris speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Let’s try to heedbrthese words as we embark on our journeys, remembering to tread gently, and withbrrespect and reverence for the Earth and all its inhabitants and places.
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I encourage you, as always, to set an intention to stepbroutside daily and watch our Chicago area spring progress. Marvel at freshlybropened leaves, observe the arrival of early migratory birds, look for nativebrbees visiting ephemeral flowers, feel the chilly rain and northeast wind on abrblustery day and watch for the rise of the Pink Full Moon. Wishing you a monthbrfilled with adventure, enlightenment and the joy of connecting with nature.
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HappybrApril!
